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Category Archives: Golden Beach

South Florida Existing Single-Family Home Sales Rise in July

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There is more good news to potential home sellers on the South Florida real estate market!

According to a recent article in the Miami Herald, both the total number of homes sales and the median sales price are on the rise!

This is the case in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties, signaling that the local housing market is indeed recovering!

South Florida Homes for Sale

Here are some of the highlights from the recent article on South Florida real estate:

  • From July 2011 to July 2012, the median price of a single-family home in Miami-Dade rose 2.8 percent to $185,000.
  • That marks the eighth consecutive month of rising single-family home prices in the county.
  • Meanwhile, the total number of residential sales (which includes single-family and condos) increased by 11 percent to 2,201, when compared year-over-year.
  • In Miami-Dade County, the total the total number of residential listings dropped 27 percent from July 2011 to July 2012 – from 15,727 to 11,454. This is a good indication for a strong market because it means housing inventories are reaching healthier levels.
  • In Broward County, the inventory of homes dropped by 50 percent – from 9,884 in July 2011 to 4,964 in July 2012.
  • Also in Broward County, the sale of existing single-family homes increased by 19.9 percent year-over-year.
  • And the median price of a single-family home in Broward County increased by 13.2 percent – from $190,000 in July 2011 to $215,000 in July 2012.
  • Also between July 2011 and July 2012, the number of sales of existing condos and townhomes in Broward County increased by 3.8 percent.
  • And the median condo and townhome price in Broward County increased by 14.5 percetn to $85,900.
  • In Broward County, single-family home prices remained flat year-over-year, while townhome and condo prices dropped about 2.2 percent – from $85,900 to $84,000.
  • In the entire state of Florida, the median price for single-family homes increased by 7.8 percent to $148,000 year-over-year.
  • And the number of homes on the market dropped 32.6 percent year-over-year.

So what is driving all of this positive activity on the South Florida real estate market?

Ron Shuffield, president of our company Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, explained to the Miami Herald: “We’re down to a three-month supply of homes in Broward and a four-month supply in Dade,” he said. “That metric is the most important one in our business. When those numbers go down, prices are going up.”

Listing Your South Florida Home for Sale!

Things just keep getting better for South Florida home sellers!

If you’ve been considering lately whether to list your own South Florida home or condo, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’ll be happy to discuss with you the best way to navigate the market right now as a home seller as well as explain to you the exclusive South Florida marketing plan I offer clients.

In the meantime, I invite you to take some time to browse my various South Florida home selling resources, which include:

Until next time,

Scott

Report: Europeans Are Increasingly Investing in South Florida Real Estate

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Recently I read an interesting article in the Sun Sentinel about how European’s financial struggles are impacting South Florida real estate in a positive way!

Evidently, those Europeans with some extra spending money are investing in second homes in South Florida before the value of the Euro drops any further.

This has caused a recent spur in activity on such South Florida real estate markets in Aventura, Hallandale, Sunny Isles Miami and others.

Continue reading to learn more about this new trend!

South Florida Properties for Sale

Here’s a look at how Europe’s Euro woes are affecting various sectors of the South Florida economy:

  • Europe now comprises 16 percent of South Florida’s trade with the world
  • Europe also makes up 15 percent of shipments overseas from South Florida ports
  • Switzerland ranks as South Florida’s third largest trade partner, mostly because of the gold industry
  • European tourism to South Florida is also up!

And here’s how the crisis overseas is having a positive impact on South Florida’s real estate market:

  • International home buyers accounted for 15 percent of all sales in the state of Florida before 2007
  • In addition, the issues overseas are helping to keep U.S. interest rates low for the short term.

Plus, the dropping value of the Euro-zone has also led many Europeans to also invest in South Florida’s tourism and trade industries!

Your South Florida REALTOR

The recent investment on the part of Europeans on the South Florida real estate market will likely create a ripple effect.

As more Europeans snatch up available homes for sale, the total housing inventory will fall.

As that happens, sales prices will begin to creep up as demand for available South Florida homes begins to rise above supply of such homes.

This is great news for interested South Florida home owners who are hoping to sell their property for a good price!

For more information on how Europe’s financial woes may affect you as a home seller, please contact me, Scott Patterson.

I have years of experience selling properties on such local housing markets as:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Real Estate Summer 2011 Market Update

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The median sales price for South Florida homes has steadily increased since the start of the year , according to Ron Shuffield, president of our company, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. Realtors

Here’s some of the recent news that Ron shared with us about the South Florida real estate market:

  • Between January and May of this year, the median sales price in Miami-Dade County rose from $150,000 to $180,000.
  • Between January and May of this year, the median sales price in Broward County rose from $165,000 to $190,000
  • 61 percent of our company’s sales are for either a short sale or a foreclosure.  However, that is down from 67 percent just four months ago.

Ron said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the most recent trends on the South Florida real estate market.

As the inventory of South Florida homes for sale continues to dwindle, prices are expected to increase, he said.

Learn more about the current state of the South Florida real estate market by watching the below video from our company’s president.

Navigating the South Florida Real Estate Market

 

If you’re interested in entering the South Florida real estate market as a home buyer or home seller, contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida real estate expert, today.

Whether you’re an interested South Florida home buyer or a South Florida home seller, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as provide you with a number of helpful South Florida real estate resources to help make navigating the market easier.

Until next time,

Scott

Foreclosure Numbers Down on the South Florida Real Estate Market

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Over the last couple of years, South Florida has gained a reputation for its many foreclosed homes.  But recent data suggests that that reputation is becoming increasingly inaccurate.

Foreclosures in South Florida dropped by more than 50 percent during the first quarter of 2011 when compared with that same period in 2010.

The greatest drop in foreclosures was seen in Broward County.

Statewide, foreclosures rates dropped by 32 percent year-over-year in the first quarter.

South Florida Real Estate

There have been steep and steady decreases in  foreclosure filings in South Florida since last fall, suggesting that the real estate market is recovering.

Here’s an overview of each of the three South Florida Counties:

  • In Broward County, foreclosures in the first quarter of 2011 dropped by 68 percent year-over-year, to 6,876 foreclosures.
  • In Miami-Dade County, foreclosures in the first quarter of 2011 dropped by 64 percent year-over-year, to 7,257 foreclosures.
  • In Palm Beach County, foreclosures in the first quarter of 2011 dropped by 57 percent year-over-year, to 4,734 foreclosures.

Investing in South Florida Real Estate

While it’s true that foreclosures are not viewed as a positive thing by interested South Florida home sellers, they can be a great opportunity for South Florida home buyers.

After all, South Florida foreclosures drive down home prices, which creates a South Florida home buyer’s market.

There truly are some great deals to be found on the South Florida real estate market right now.

But as foreclosures continue to decrease, home prices are expected to begin to rise again as we are already seeing in the market today.  Especially in many waterfront communities.

Thus, if you’re thinking about entering the South Florida real estate market as a South Florida home buyer, now is a great time to do so!

Contact me, Scott Patterson, today and I’ll let you know about available listings in the area as well as answer any questions you might have.

I’ll also provide you with a number of helpful South Florida home buying resources, including:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Real Estate Market Praised by National Government

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The Federal Reserve recently recognized the South Florida real estate market for its home resale market, according to a recent article in the Miami Herald.

The recognition was part of a larger report completed by the Federal Reserve in which they said the economy is expanding fairly steadily in most of the country, although some regions are showing negative growth.

Continue reading to learn more about the Federal Reserve’s predictions for the national economy as well as how South Florida home owners will be affected.

South Florida Real Estate Market Update

Although much of the South has demonstrated slowed growth, Florida actually stood out for its home resale market.

The report noted that Florida home sales are doing remarkably well and keeping at a pace that’s enviable. Real Estate market’s are very area specific and development specific, 31% of Florida sales are cash transactions but South Florida has a far higher percentage of cash transactions due to the higher number of International Buyers.

The report also found that leading economists predict that the national economy will expand at about 2.7 percent a year.

Although a complete economic recovery likely is still a ways away, it’s nice to know that the South Florida real estate market is standing out to the national government as an industry that is doing better than most.
This is definitely good news for South Florida home sellers as it shows them that there is movement on the South Florida real estate market and there are interested South Florida home buyers.

Selling Your South Florida Home

Have you been thinking about entering the South Florida real estate market as a South Florida home seller?

As a South Florida real estate expert, I will put together an aggressive marketing plan to ensure that we sell your home at the best price possible in as little time as possible.

To learn more about how I help South Florida home sellers, check out some of my FREE South Florida home selling resources, including:

Until next time,

Scott

South Florida Real Estate Market Update for July

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The MIAMI Association of REALTORS recently released some data that describe the current state of the South Florida real estate market.

One of the group’s biggest conclusions was that Broward housing inventory has fallen below a six month supply. Keep in mind this is averaged out for all price ranges, however when it’s broken up in different price range categories from like $1-2 Million, or $2-3 Million and up the picture is much different as there are more month’s supply, in other words the the higher the price range, the more inventory there currently is.

For example today in Broward County we have approximately 83 months supply of single family homes over 3 million dollars and less than 4 months supply for single family homes less than 300,000.

The group found that inventory of residential listings in Broward County fell by 27 percent – or from 20,143 in May 2010 to 12,742.

Comparatively, total housing inventory nationally only fell by 1 percent.

This is great news for interested South Florida home sellers.  After all, as there become fewer homes there are on the South Florida real estate market, demand for South Florida homes will inevitably rise.

When demand for South Florida homes rises, South Florida home sellers will have more bargaining room when it comes to selling their South Florida home.

More Information on the Current State of the South Florida Real Estate Market

Here’s some additional data that the MIAMI Association of REALTORS recently released:

  • Condominium sales in Broward County increased from 1,348 in May 2010 to 1,537 in May 2011.  That’s a 14 percent increase year-over-year.
  • Single-family home sales increased by 6 percent – or from 1,078 in May 2010 to 1,142 in May 2011.
  • Cash transactions made up 60 percent of all closed residential sales in May
  • Statewide, condo sales increased by 17 percent while single-family home sales increased by 3 percent.
  • Meanwhile, national homes sales decreased by 15.3 percent during that same period.
  • The average sales price of condominiums on the South Florida real estate market increased by 3.7  percent from May 2010 and May 2011.
  • The average sales price for single-family homes on the South Florida real estate market decreased by 2.3 percent from May 2010 and May 2011.
  • Statewide, the median sales price for condos increased by 2 percent from May 2010 and May 2011.
  • Statewide, the median sales price for single-family homes decreased by 5 percent from May 2010 and May 2011.

Entering the South Florida Real Estate Market as a Home Seller

If you’ve been considering selling your South Florida home, now is a great time to do so!

As the inventory of South Florida homes for sale continues to decrease, South Florida home sellers will have more of a say when it comes to setting a sales price.

As a South Florida real estate expert, I’ll be happy to walk you through what I can do for you as a South Florida home seller.

This includes answering any questions you might have, developing an aggressive South Florida marketing plan for your home, and providing you with such South Florida home selling resources as:

Until next time,

Scott

 

Mexicans Increasingly Investing in South Florida Real Estate

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For months I have been telling you about how Brazilian nationals have been spurring activity on the South Florida real estate market by investing in South Florida homes for sale.

Now it appears that another group of foreign nationals are finding South Florida real estate increasingly attractive: Mexicans.

According to a recent article in the Miami Herald, Mexicans find that South Florida is a safe place to invest their money outside of their home country, where violence has steadily increased over the years.

South Florida Real Estate Market Attracting International Buyers

While Mexican nationals have historically invested in properties in border cities such as El Paso and San Diego, an increasing number of Mexicans are investing in South Florida, specifically Miami.

By some estimate, Mexican investors have invested about $30 million in the South Florida real estate.

And according to the Commerce Department’s international trade administration, Mexicans made a direct investment of $31 billion in the United States in 2008.

Most experts attribute the surge in Mexican nationals investing in the United States to the violence that is occurring across the border.

Since the Mexican president Felipe Calderon launched a war on drug cartels in late 2006, more than 40,000 Mexicans have been killed in the fighting.

Consequently, the United States has issued an increasing number of visas to Mexicans.  Between 2007 and 2009, the number of visas for Mexican investors grew from 15,000 to 21,000.

In 2009, about 250 Mexicans were granted asylum in the United States.

Purchasing a South Florida Home for Sale

As a South Florida real estate expert, I have years of experience working with international buyers.

If you’re thinking about relocating to South Florida from another country  – or from another part of the United States – then contact me, Scott Patterson.

I’ll help make navigating the South Florida real estate market exponentially easier with my exclusive South Florida home buying tools.  These include:

Until next time,

Scott

Brazilian Home Buyers on South Florida Real Estate Market Get National Attention

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Brazilian nationals investing in the South Florida real estate market is making national news, as evident by a recent article by Bloomberg.

According to the article, Brazilian currency has developed  a 45 percent gain against the United States dollar since 2008.

And while the United States economy grew by 2.3 percent between April 2010 and March 2011, the Brazilian economy (which is the largest in Latin America) grew by 4.2 percent.

This means that South Florida real estate has become increasingly attractive for international buyers – and this is great news for interested South Florida home sellers.

Brazilians Increasingly Investing in South Florida Real Estate

For several months now, the number of Brazilian nationals investing in the South Florida real estate market has steadily grown as these international buyers search for deals on vacation homes and property investments.

The effects of this on the South Florida real estate market have been tremendous:

  • Total sales on Miami’s condominium market have increased by 79 percent since the beginning of the year when compared to that same period in 2010.
  • Brazilians bought 9 percent of homes and apartments sold to international buyers between April 2009 and March 2010.
  • Brazilians are the third largest group of international buyers on the South Florida real estate market, behind only Canadians and Venezuelans.
  • In May 2011, international buyers invested in 60 percent of existing homes on the market and 90 percent of newly built homes.
  • Of those downtown Miami condos that sold for more than $500,000 to foreign investors, Brazilians accounted for about half of that group.
  • Of those Miami Beach property sales that sold for more than $1 million, the investor was Brazilian in about fifty percent of those sales.

It’s easy to see why Brazilian home buyers are flooding the South Florida real estate market when one considers the current state of the Brazilian real estate market:

  • Home prices in Brazil increased by 25 percent between June 2010 and May 2011.
  • In Rio, home prices increased by 44 percent.

Meanwhile, homes in the Miami area are selling for about 51 percent less than they did during the peak of the housing boom – which was in late 2006.

Listing Your South Florida Home for Sale

All of the activity being generated by Brazilian nationals on the South Florida real estate market is great news for interested South Florida home sellers.

This activity is creating demand that is giving South Florida home sellers some bargaining room when it comes to sales price.

In order to capitalize on the momentum that Brazilians are creating on South Florida’s real estate market, you’ll want to work with a South Florida real estate expert who knows how to effectively market your South Florida home for sale.

Contact me, Scott Patterson, your South Florida real estate expert, today and I’ll let you know how I can get you the best price on your South Florida home in as little time as possible.

To get things started, feel free to browse all of the helpful South Florida home selling resources I provide to South Florida home sellers. These include:

Until next time,

Scott

 

South Florida Real Estate Market Update for June

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Several South Florida cities saw increases in their property values in 2010, according to a recent article in The Miami Herald.

Although property values for both commercial and residential real estate are still down in Miami-Dade and Broward counties for 2010, they’re still doing considerably better than in 2008 or 2009.

Continue reading to learn more about how specific South Florida communities stacked up in terms of property values.

South Florida Property Values

According to the most recent data:

  • 10 municipalities in Miami-Dade County saw increases in value in 2010.  In contrast, all 37 municipalities saw decreases in value in 2009.
  • Downtown Miami saw the largest year-over-year value increases in South Florida.  The community’s tax base grew by 10.9 percent in 2010.  In 2009, Downtown Miami’s tax base decreased by 11.2 percent.
  • In 2009, new construction in downtown Miami was valued at $362 million.  In 2010, that value had climbed to $1.4 billion.
  • Key Biscayne’s taxable property value grew by 1.5 percent.
  • Sunny Isle’s taxable property value grew by 2.9 percent.
  • Pinecrest’s taxable property value grew by 0.8 percent.
  • New construction in Miami-Dade County fell from $2.7 billion to $1.5 billion.
  • New construction in Broward County also fell, from $1.5 billion to $633 million.
  • Homestead taxable property value fell by 9.6 percent. Still, that’s considerably better than in 2009, when property values in Homestead dropped by more than 31 percent.
  • Florida City’s taxable property value fell by 15.4 percent.

According to most South Florida real estate analysts, the recent numbers suggest that the South Florida real estate market has weathered the worst of the recent housing bust, but a complete recovery might not be for several months or even years.

Investing in South Florida Real Estate

Now is actually a fantastic time to invest in South Florida real estate.

Why? Because South Florida home values are still fractions of what they used to be before the South Florida housing bubble burst.

Thus, South Florida home buyers have the opportunity to get a great deal on a piece of South Florida real estate before prices start climbing.

If you’re interested in investing in South Florida real estate, then contact me, Scott Patterson.

As your South Florida real estate expert, I’ll answer any questions you might have about the South Florida real estate market as well as tell you about all of  South Florida neighborhoods, including:

Until next time,

Scott